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Introduction to Sexual & Gender Diversity

GNDS 215/3.0

This course is an introduction to studies in sexuality and gender diversity. It will survey the field and include topics such as classical inquiries into sexuality, contemporary theories on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer indentities, sexual movements, human rights, sexual morality, pornography, global sex trade, and queer cultural production. This course is open to all students but required for students enrolled in the Certificate in Sexual and Gender Diversity. It is designed to introduce SXGS students to the field and prepare them for selecting future courses.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Critically analyze some of the ways that sex, gender, and sexual diversity have been theorized;

Explain diverse gender and sexual identities, practices, and experiences; and the role of power and context in shaping our understandings of sex, gender, and sexual diversity

Apply an intersectional approach to analyze the ways that race, class, (dis)ability, and nationality interact with experiences of gender and sexuality;

Description

This course is an introduction to studies in sexual and gender diversity and is designed to familiarize students with a myriad of theories and topics in the field. Students will learn about classical and contemporary theories of sex, gender, and sexuality; explore the spectrum of sex, gender, and sexual identities including lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, asexual, and intersex; examine the intersection of these identities with other social identities such as race, class, age, (dis)ability, and nationhood; and consider strategies for social change. Students will furthermore delve into issues about rape culture, kink and BDSM practices, sex work and the global sex trade, and pornography.

Evaluation

This course has optional live sessions (e.g. webinars, synchronous activities).

Instructor

Professor Melissa Houghtaling (m.houghtaling@queensu.ca)

Instructor message

My name is Dr. Melissa Houghtaling, and I am your instructor for this course. Here is a little bit about myself: I was born and raised in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, a small suburb of Philadelphia. I earned my B.A. in Sociology and Psychology (double major) at Millersville University; my M.A. in Society and Politics at Lancaster University, which I completed at the Centre for Social Studies in Warsaw, Poland; and my PhD in Sociology here at Queen’s University, with a concentration in sexuality studies and feminist theory. My teaching experience spans the areas of Gender Studies and Sociology and includes topics such as sexual and gender diversity, identity and difference, feminist thought, popular culture, social psychology, research methodology, and the sociology of deviance. I also have experience designing online and blended learning courses. In 2012-2013, I received the Gender Studies Teaching Award.

Textbooks and Materials

CDS reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at http://www.campusbookstore.com/Textbooks/Search-Engine to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.

Time Commitment

Students can expect to spend approximately 10 hours a week (120 hours per term equivalent) in study/reading and online activity for GNDS 215.

Course Resources

About SOLUS

SOLUS is Queen’s Student On-Line University System. You’ll have access to a SOLUS account once you become a Queen’s student. You’ll use SOLUS to register for courses, add and drop courses, update your contact information, view financial and academic information, and pay your tuition.

About Credit Units

Queen’s courses are weighted in credit units. A typical one-term course is worth 3.0 units, and a typical two-term course is worth 6.0 units. You combine these units to create your degree. A general (three-year) BA or BSc requires a total of 90 credit units.

Computer Requirements

To take an online course, you’ll need a high speed internet connection as well as a microphone and speakers to be able to watch videos, hear sounds, and participate in interactive online activities. A webcam is recommended but not necessary.

System Requirements:

Laptop or Desktop computer purchased within the last 5 years. (mobile devices are not supported)

Windows Vista SP2/Mac OSX 10.9 or higher

Up to date versions of Firefox, Internet Explorer or Safari. Please note that Google Chrome is not recommended for use in our courses.

Dates/Deadlines

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary depending when you start, your year, faculty, and program. Fees for Summer Term 2018 first-year Distance Career Arts & Science Domestic students are as follows: for a 3.0-unit course, $685.90; for a 6.0-unit course, $1371.80 See also Tuition and Fees.

Grading Scheme

The information below is intended for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Academic Regulations in other Faculties may differ.

Letter Grade

Grade Point

A+

4.30

A

4.00

A-

3.70

B+

3.30

B

3.00

B-

2.70

C+

2.30

C

2.00

C-

1.70

D+

1.30

D

1.00

D-

0.70

F

0.00

GPA CalculatorsHave your SOLUS grade report handy and then follow the link to the Arts and Science GPA calculators.

Campus Bookstore

Non-Queen’s Students

All Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are open to students at other universities. Before applying as a visiting student, request a Letter of Permission from your home university that states that you have permission to take the course and apply it to your degree. See also Apply.

Academic Integrity

Please see Queen’s policy statement on academic integrity for information on how to complete an online course honestly.